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Best Campgrounds near Pollock Pines, CA

1,298 Reviews

Pollock Pines and the surrounding California mountains have several good camping spots for a weekend getaway. The nearby South Lake Tahoe area has Fallen Leaf Campground with standard restrooms and picnic tables that work well for families with kids. Eagle Point Campground in Emerald Bay State Park is worth checking out for its lake views and trails that branch out from camp. Bighorn Campground is more basic and quiet if you want fewer neighbors and don't mind simpler facilities. Bears are active in these woods, so hang food or use bear boxes at all campsites. The Pollock Pines area has plenty of hiking trails through pine forests and mountain terrain. Summer days get hot in this part of California, so bring extra water when camping between June and August. You can camp in winter too, but pack warm gear and check road conditions first. The area has both RV-friendly sites and tent-only spots depending on what you need. Call ahead about reservations since many campgrounds fill up quickly during peak season.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pollock Pines, California (376)

    1. Sly Park Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Pollock Pines, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 295-6810

    "They are set into the mountains with trees behind you. The park rangers are very present to keep people in check and the camp host drives by multiple times to keep the bathrooms clean."

    "The lake is GORGEOUS and amazingly cool during the summer, and we also love winter camping in the snow as well."

    2. Ghost Mountain RV Campground

    12 Reviews
    Pollock Pines, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-5476

    "We didn't become members, but really like this resort in Pollock Pines."

    "It reminded me of Lake Pillsbury north of Clear Lake Ca where we as a family had been camping since 1981. But with just over 2hr drive not 6hr with trailer. There is a pool, and kids pool."

    3. Ice House Campground

    16 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 245-6891

    $36 - $108 / night

    "It was disappointing to learn this by getting a visit by the black bear who comes down from behind our campsite (which is why I do not recommend campsite 3)."

    "Neighbors were close, though not so close to be crowded. Spot was very close to the restroom, advantage and disadvantage when a strong ordor would breeze on through."

    4. Coloma Resort

    15 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful fall surroundings right adjacent to the South Fork of the American River. Easy walk or car ride to numerous hiking trails."

    "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here!"

    5. Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Pollock Pines, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-2545

    "We brought our paddle board and we’re walking distance to the lake front. Lake was quiet, trails well maintained and facilities were cleaned regularly. Will definitely stay here again."

    "The sites were mostly all at a slant so it was a bit uncomfortable in terms of the sleep situation."

    6. Union Valley Reservoir

    9 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 245-6891

    $34 - $140 / night

    "Clean campground, friendly hosts, all the amenities you could need while enjoying time spent not too far away from the greater Sacramento area."

    "We arrived after dark and had no idea what was around us. We were so pleasantly surprised when the sun came up to find ourselves surrounded by trees and so close to the lake."

    7. Pine Cone - Sly Park Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Pollock Pines, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-2545

    $37 - $47 / night

    "Beautiful view of the lake, level plot, toilets, picnic table, potable water, fire ring, grill, recycling stations and large dumpsters. Dog friendly too."

    8. Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-2324

    "Luckily there is a lot of Dispersed camping all the way around the lake! So beautiful, and the lake is really warm in the summer"

    9. American River Resort

    10 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 622-6700

    "Nice campground - close to river. .5 mile walk to town for shopping/eating. All sites have fire pit and picnic table. Bathrooms clean and private showers."

    "It is right in the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it."

    10. Finnon Lake Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Placerville, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 409-5515

    $30 / night

    "The lake was warm and it can get a little breezy in the afternoon. Make sure to bring a kayak or SUP board to enjoy the lake."

    "Very nice area beautiful lake definitely reccomend bringing ear plugs as the nature in the morning is a very early alarm clock over all a great site that we will come back to"

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Recent Reviews near Pollock Pines, CA

1298 Reviews of 376 Pollock Pines Campgrounds

Guide to Pollock Pines

Camping near Pollock Pines, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking trails, with one reviewer from Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe mentioning, "Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful."
  • Water Sports: Enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming. A visitor at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park shared, "We took down our inflatable kayaks and paddled to the Island. It was a huge plus that added to our trip."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground noted, "We had both our dogs and never had to keep them on leash as the site is pretty back from the road."

What campers like:

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A camper at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
  • Safety First: Always keep food secured to avoid attracting wildlife. A visitor at Eagle Point Campground advised, "It's crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes."
  • Plan for Cleanliness: Bring extra supplies for cleanliness. A camper at Acorn Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Pollock Pines, California, has something for everyone. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV camping options are available in Pollock Pines?

Ghost Mountain RV Campground stands out as a premium RV option in Pollock Pines. This private resort, part of Colorado River Adventures, offers comprehensive amenities for RV campers without the pushy sales tactics sometimes found at membership campgrounds. For those seeking alternatives, Union Valley Reservoir provides big-rig-friendly sites with water and toilet facilities in a more natural setting. Many campgrounds in the area can accommodate RVs of various sizes, though availability may be limited during peak season. When planning an RV trip to Pollock Pines, consider making reservations well in advance, especially for summer weekends, as the most desirable sites with hookups tend to fill quickly.

What activities and attractions are near Pollock Pines camping areas?

The Pollock Pines area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Water activities dominate at Sly Park Recreation Area, where visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and paddling on the lake. Hiking trails wind through surrounding forests, providing scenic views and wildlife watching opportunities. For those willing to venture slightly further, American River Resort provides easy river access for rafting, swimming, and fishing, plus it's just a half-mile walk to town for shopping and dining. The El Dorado National Forest surrounds Pollock Pines, offering additional hiking, mountain biking, and fishing opportunities. In winter, the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains provide skiing and snowboarding options within driving distance.

Where are the best camping sites in Pollock Pines?

Pollock Pines offers excellent camping options, with Pine Cone - Sly Park Recreation Area standing out for its beautiful lake views, level plots, and comprehensive amenities including potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground is dog-friendly and provides convenient access to the lake. For those seeking alternatives, Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area offers similar lake access with reservable sites. Ice House Campground is another popular choice in the area, featuring drive-in access and essential amenities. When planning your trip, remember that online reservations for these campgrounds can fill quickly during peak season, so booking well in advance is recommended.

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